Ball has too much of everything for Jamie

Ball unloads against Robinson in their English title clash

KINGSWINFORD KO king Danny Ball is back in domestic boxing’s big time after over-powering Jamie Robinson for the English welter title.

BCB’s Ball added to a memorable Saturday night for Birmingham and Black Country boxing. On the same evening, - over 250 miles away, Stourbridge’s Sam Eggington halted Southampton’s big punching Joe Pigford.

At Manchester Arena, Ball was simply levels above Robinson. Putting it bluntly, the 26-year-old – an upholsterer by day – knocked the stuffing out of his Derbyshire foe, who was pulled out at the end of the eighth.

Regulars to this column will know that was the result I predicted.

Danny, whose only loss came in a British title challenge, is a quality fighter, not one of many false dawns.

Robinson can punch – the spectacular KO of granite chinned Ben Fields underlined that, but he lacked the finesse to defuse Balll’s vaunted firepower.

He was down and badly hurt in the second and throughout the contest Ball connected with crunching hooks to the ribs.

By the end, 31-year-old Robinson – blood spilling from his nose - was propped in a corner and taking hooks to head and body. Others would’ve folded, Jamie took his lumps and trudged back to his corner.

The fight had been punched out of him.

He showed courage above and beyond. Ball was clattering Jamie with heavy ammo throughout.

The man’s spirit was spent and it was no surprise when his corner signalled surrender.

Danny told me this morning: “I didn’t get drawn into a fight, I didn’t struggle. I had an answer for everything he threw at me.

“I felt very comfortable in there, he never caught me clean and I really thought I had him in the second.”

Ball, at welter, is a beast and it will take a very good fighter to prevent him taking the Lonsdale Belt.

Danny added: “I’ve been told I’ll be defending my title on a Matchroom show next, but a British title shot can’t come soon enough.”

In an emotional message to fans, Robinson – one of the game’s true nice guys - posted: “The messages I’ve received from everyone is amazing. Thank you.

“I’m gutted I’m not champion. I got beat by the better man on the night, I fully respect my trainer’s decision in pulling me out and saving me for another day.

“Time to go on my first holiday with my kids and missus and think about where I go from here. Great week in Manchester, great experience, a massive thank you to everyone who brought tickets and travelled and made noise for me - you was wicked.

“I’m grateful for everyone who has played a part in my boxing career past and present.”

Jamie can walk away with head held high. He showed a champ’s courage.

But courage alone is not enough. Ball brought all the other qualities needed to reach the top.

The new champ is a man destined for big things.